The ancient Bayon Temple, a significant historical site in Cambodia’s Angkor Archaeological Park, served as the stunning backdrop for a gala dinner celebrating the arrival of Bulgari’s Aeterna high jewellery collection. Held last month near Siem Reap, the event brought together luxury, history, and culture in an unforgettable display.
Bayon Temple, located at the heart of Angkor Thom, is an architectural marvel and a symbol of religious unity under King Jayavarman VII. Renowned for its serene stone faces, the temple embodies wisdom, mystery, and beauty—qualities reflected in Bulgari’s Aeterna collection. Each jewellery piece in the collection tells a story of timeless elegance and exceptional craftsmanship.
The open-air event featured a curated evening of fine dining, a jewellery showcase, and a traditional Apsara dance performance. Among the distinguished guests were Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin, South Asia Pacific Friend of the House Davika “Mai” Hoorne, as well as Bulgari ambassadors Pia Wurtzbach, Ho Ngoc Ha, Mile Phakphum, and Ayden Sng. Clients from across the region also attended, immersing themselves in a night of artistry and luxury that paid tribute to Bulgari’s heritage and vision.
The Aeterna high jewellery collection was created in 2024 to commemorate Bulgari’s 140th anniversary. Drawing inspiration from the Eternal City of Rome, the collection blends tradition and innovation, featuring exceptional gemstones and masterful craftsmanship.
One of the standout pieces on display was the Serpenti Chiseled Necklace. Crafted in white gold, it features onyx elements, a striking cabochon pear rubellite (77.78 carats), additional rubellites (193.69 carats), pear amethysts (38.77 carats), buff-top rubellites (0.47 carats), step-cut diamonds (14.71 carats), and pavé-set diamonds (81.69 carats). This exquisite piece pushes the boundaries of high jewellery design, showcasing Bulgari’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
Designed using digital technology, the necklace’s intricate form mimics the curves of a serpent, adorned with a dazzling array of gemstones. A sculptor-trained goldsmith used his expertise in Roman sculpture and Serpenti design to create a bold, fluid masterpiece. The central rubellite, with its intense strawberry-red hue, is suspended from the serpent’s mouth, its vibrant color accentuated by diamonds and amethysts. Onyx inlays weave through the diamond settings, adding lifelike movement to the piece.
Bulgari’s Serpenti motif holds special significance in Cambodia, where the mythical Naga—a serpent-like creature—plays a vital role in Southeast Asian art, architecture, and folklore. Revered as a divine and protective force, the Naga symbolizes the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds, making the Serpenti Chiseled Necklace a fitting tribute to the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Enhancing the presentation of the Aeterna collection, Artisans Angkor, a Cambodian social enterprise dedicated to preserving traditional craftsmanship, created custom pedestals for the jewellery display. Using pink and grey sandstone, as well as red volcanic lava stone, master sculptors handcrafted each pedestal using centuries-old techniques. The designs, inspired by classical Angkorian motifs, seamlessly blended Cambodia’s ancient artistry with Bulgari’s modern elegance.
The event at Bayon Temple was a celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and luxury, merging the historical grandeur of Angkor with Bulgari’s forward-thinking creativity. Through the Aeterna collection, Bulgari continues to push the boundaries of high jewellery, honoring its legacy while embracing the future of artistic innovation.
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